RL: Batley 20 Oldham 20 - FOR the second successive week Oldham had to settle for a draw in another enthralling encounter. But, lacking the killer instinct, they could not hold on to the lead and in the end just about held out of a draw.

On a baking hot afternoon player-coach Steve Molloy won the toss and elected to play the first half up the notorious Mount Pleasant slope. The first quarter was fast and furious and yet again provided ample evidence of just how competitive National League One is. With former Widnes scrum half Barry Eaton calling the Batley shots, Oldham employed admirable scrambled defence.

On 18 minutes Eaton ripped through a group, fed stand off Danny Thomas who kicked through for wingman Matt Bramald to score near the corner. Eaton landed the first of his four goals. Oldham hit back just five minutes later when sub Danny Guest and skipper Phil Farrell interpassed to send on-loan centre Dan Potter over for an unconverted try.

Centre Iain Marsh was sinbinned just before half-time for holding down and Eaton's penalty goal sent the Bulldogs in 8-4 up at the interval. With Marsh still absent, Thomas fell to an excellent Jon Goddard tackle before collecting a rebound to send Mark Toohey racing over for a try near the posts. Eaton's conversion made it 14-4.

Suddenly, Oldham clicked into gear and Aussie prop Dane Morgan began to dominate on attack and defence. His ability to stand and offload in the tackle resulted in three superb second half Oldham tries.

Winger Gavin Dodd, showing exceptional pace and power, raced in for two tries in four minutes to level matters. The first was scored in the corner finishing off some impressive passing, but the next was a joy to behold as he took Morgan's pass, raced around ex-Roughyed full back Mark Sibson and held off a posse of defenders for a great try near the posts. Svabic's goal made it 14-14.

Eaton restored the Bulldogs lead with a 58th minute penalty, before stand off Gareth Barber finished off another Dodd break to score by the posts, Svabic converting to give Oldham a 20-14 lead with five minutes left.

Amazingly, however, Oldham failed to cover the short restart kick. Batley came up with the ball and, following intense pressure, Maun crossed for a try in the corner. Eaton was wide with the pressure touchline kick.